Preparation and characterization of IrxPt1−xO2 anode electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

Towards competent production of clean and electrolytic hydrogen, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis offers several advantages, such as high purity of the produced gases, very high level of operation safety and direct storage of gases under high pressure. The work presented deals with the development of efficient PEM water electrolyzers, employing high specific surface area IrxPt1−xO2 electrocatalysts synthesized by the modified Adams fusion method. A typical three-electrode cell was used to evaluate the performance of the materials for water splitting. The performance of electrodes for oxygen evolution reaction was assessed by steady-state current–potential measurements while their electrochemical characteristics and stability were studied by cyclic voltammetry. It was found that Ir–Pt bimetallic oxide electrodes present a stable performance for oxygen evolution reaction. Their intrinsic electrocatalytic activity in combination with their large surface area and stability are quite promising for the development of economically feasible electrocatalysts for PEM water electrolyzers.

► Nanostructured IrxPt1−xO2 electrocatalysts with high (up to 270 m2 g−1) surface area were synthesized.
► Ir–Pt bimetallic oxide electrodes present stable performance for O2 evolution reaction.
► Ir0.8Pt0.2O2 oxide presents the higher stability among the synthesized materials.